14/08/2026
Movie Review: Awarapan 2
I tried my best not to cry; I failed.
When they say “Akkha Bollywood ek taraf, Emraan Hashmi ek taraf” — “All of Bollywood on one side, Emraan Hashmi on the other” — they’re never exaggerating.
Cinema may be catering to a new generation, but 19 years on, the goosebumps this man gives us remain unchanged.
I waited a really long time for Awarapan 2. It was my most anticipated film of the year; and I wasn't expectant, I was anticipatory.
Because the wait was so long, I was ready for whatever the makers had in store for us.
And then the film opened with Mustafa Zahid's rendition of Toh Phir Aao. The goosebumps didn't need time to set in.
That alone tells you what Awarapan 2 means to fans of the original. Yes, there is nostalgia here. Yes, there is fan service. But what's wrong with that? Aren't films ultimately made for their audiences?
This isn't a perfectly made film. The storyline is fairly predictable, the interval block doesn't quite deliver the punch you might expect and the action can feel excessive at times.
I also found myself wishing there was more romance between Emraan and Disha Patani, although I understand how giving that relationship too much space could have interfered with Shivam's character arc.
But then comes that ending. I won't say a word about it. I will say that I cried.
It manages to sum up the purpose of these characters while remaining completely true to Shivam and, most importantly, his heart.
Whichever way the story went, that ending had the ability to touch viewers. Somehow, it touched us even more.
And then there is Emraan.
He runs the show. He steals the show. He is Shivam.
All these years later, he seeps straight back into a character that feels like it never really left him. The persona, the intensity, the vulnerability — the man is back.
Disha Patani is great alongside him, with good chemistry and a look that fits the world beautifully. The supporting cast are effective, with Puran Gabbi bringing mad scientist vibes as the crazy villain and Shabana Azmi looking deadly in an albeit small role.
The music brings the soul. Tera Mera Rishta remains timeless, and when that chorus hits, the goosebumps return all over again. The original tracks work well too, giving the film a musical identity that feels connected to its predecessor without simply living in its shadow.
There is definitely a part of me that wanted more from the romance, but perhaps Awarapan 2 understood that Shivam's journey couldn't be built around that alone.
The film may not be perfect, but it reminded me why I fell in love with this character — and with Emraan Hashmi — in the first place.
And just when we thought it was over, he's back.
I'm in awe.
Bring on Jannat 3. Bring on Awarapan 3. I'm ready.
Rating: 8.5/10
Bollywood Frenzy watched the film courtesy of Ster-Kinekor, Sky Cinema and Cine Centre: they bring you the stars!
By Razeen Gutta
